Hu Jintao (zhs=??? t=??? p=H� J?nt?o w=Hu Chin-tao) (born 21 December 1942) is currently the Paramount Leader of the Peoples Republic of China, holding the titles of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China since 2002, President of the Peoples Republic of China since 2003, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission since 2004, succeeding Jiang Zemin in the fourth generation leadership (Generations of Chinese leadership) of the Peoples Republic of China.

Described as having a low-key and reserved leadership style, Hus rise to the presidency represents Chinas transition of leadership from old, establishment Communists to younger, more pragmatic technocrat (Technocracy (bureaucratic))s. Since his ascendancy, Hu has reinstated certain controls on the economy loosened by the previous administration, and has been largely conservative with political reforms. In foreign policy, Hu advocates for an approach termed "Chinas peaceful development", pursuing soft power in international relations. Through Hus tenure Chinas global influence in Africa, Latin America, and other developing countries has increased.

Hu has been involved in the Communist party bureaucracy for most of his adult life, notably as party chief (CPC Party Chief) for the Tibet Autonomous Region, and then later Vice-President (Vice President of the Peoples Republic of China) under Jiang Zemin. An advocate for Chinas peaceful rise, Hus political philosophy is summarily describedCitation neededdate=November 2008 as aiming to found a basis for a Harmonious Society domestically and for Peaceful Development internationally, the former generated by a Scientific Development Concept, which seeks integrated solutions to tackle Chinas various economic, environmental and social problems (Social issues in the Peoples Republic of China).